Gene Short runs for Grayson County judge

Sunday

Jan 26, 2014 at 12:25 AM

1: The biggest issue facing Grayson County is how we manage the growth that is coming to Grayson County. We need to keep our county taxes low while we work together to manage the growth coming north from the Metroplex, the new companies moving into our area with the help of entities like SEDCO and DDA, maximizing the opportunities for growth of our North Texas Regional Airport and helping our current industries to expand. We have a number of advantages; our water supply is good, our base of qualified workers is good and is getting better each year with the help of Grayson County College. We are an attractive county for business and have to build on this going forward. The challenges we face will be how we grow. And I vow to commit to the principles of limited government, low taxes, strong law enforcement, and a concise plan for growth in Grayson County’s infrastructure while protecting its quality of life.

1: The biggest issue facing Grayson County is how we manage the growth that is coming to Grayson County. We need to keep our county taxes low while we work together to manage the growth coming north from the Metroplex, the new companies moving into our area with the help of entities like SEDCO and DDA, maximizing the opportunities for growth of our North Texas Regional Airport and helping our current industries to expand. We have a number of advantages; our water supply is good, our base of qualified workers is good and is getting better each year with the help of Grayson County College. We are an attractive county for business and have to build on this going forward. The challenges we face will be how we grow. And I vow to commit to the principles of limited government, low taxes, strong law enforcement, and a concise plan for growth in Grayson County’s infrastructure while protecting its quality of life.

2: The county judge can operate as a chief executive officer does in a vital industry, working hand in hand with Elected and appointed officials, other entities’ leadership and with our citizens to strengthen the intangibles Grayson County has to offer. For 24 years, I served Grayson County as one of its longest-tenured servants in a county commissioner position. I was among the first to bring rural addressing to Grayson County, gathering neighbors across the region closer together and offering support for those off the beaten path. The specific addresses for our rural neighbors helped first responders provide swift help in times of need. I worked hand-in-hand with leaders from all the Grayson County cities, small and large, especially as a member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization for 20 years. As difficult issues were solved through this organization regarding Grayson County transportation and infrastructure, I showed how working together, local entities could reap great rewards. I can point to the transportation improvements to the intersection of U.S. Highway 75 and FM 691 to accommodate the increased vehicle traffic generated by the medical facilities in the northeast corner and the hotel convention facilities in the northwest corner. I’m proud of the fact I helped lead the effort to establish a countywide homestead exemption for Grayson taxpayers, to the tune of 20 percent, which in turn saves locals millions of dollars on their annual homesteaded property taxes. And speaking of finances, I worked to significantly raise Grayson County deputies’ wages to bring them more in line with the arduous and vital role they play in the safety and well-being of Grayson County residents. Perhaps the achievement which I feel most expresses my experience and background is how I strongly fought for millions of dollars in federal and state funding for local highways and bridges, eventually leading the expansion of Highway 289 north to Lake Texoma. And I’m proud to say the Texas Department of Transportation honored me with its "Road Hand Award" during the State Highway 289 groundbreaking ceremonies, this after I helped the vital thoroughfare project come in millions of dollars under budget. I served as the Commissioners Court representative on the Airport Board for many years while it changed from many unused buildings to an almost totally leased facility. As county commissioner I have chaired the Commissioners Court many times during the absence of the county judge.

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